A faint mix of alcohol and tobacco smoke hung in the air of Shakky's Rip-Off Bar. The owner, Shakky , leaned lazily behind the counter, a slender lady's cigarette held loosely between her fingers. She slowly blew a perfect smoke ring, her eyes following the rising, pale blue tendrils, and spoke in her mature, slightly hoarse voice:
"What is it, Rayleigh? Did an old friend show up?"
Just a moment ago, a massive surge of Conqueror's Haki had swept across the entire island, like a raging, physical tsunami. Even a strong person like her felt the unique and powerful aura, which had left her deeply surprised.
However, Rayleigh, sitting alone at the bar, simply shook his head. "No, not an acquaintance," he denied. "That's a... completely unfamiliar Haki".
On this vast sea, the Conqueror's Haki of every top-tier expert is unique and distinct. And Rayleigh was certain he had never felt this specific Conqueror's Haki before; it was entirely new to him. What was clear, though, was the sheer vitality within it, like the rising morning sun, full of infinite possibilities and enormous potential.
"It must be a newcomer," he speculated. Immediately, he couldn't help but sigh with genuine admiration.
"Truly... incredible," Rayleigh murmured. "This powerful and pure Haoshoku even reminds me of Roger back in the day. No... perhaps even Roger didn't have such an extreme presence. I wonder who has arrived?"
For a moment, a strong impulse rose within Rayleigh—he wanted to see the owner of this powerful Haki with his own eyes.
Before he could even stand up, Shakky seemed to read his mind and poured a bucket of cold water on his enthusiasm at just the right moment.
"I'm telling you, Rayleigh," she said casually, "you're already old, so don't get involved in young people's fights anymore. Be careful... you might throw out your old back again".
Rayleigh chuckled at her words. The impulse that had just risen in his heart quickly faded. She was right. He, Silvers Rayleigh, was a "retired" man now. Why should he disturb the fun of the younger generation? If he messed up his peaceful retirement, that would be truly annoying.
Thinking about this, Rayleigh raised his glass toward Shakky.
"Alright, alright," he replied, "I promise you. For the next few days, I won't go anywhere; I'll just stay here and drink".
"Even for you, the tab can't be cheap, you know," Shakky said, glancing at him with a satisfied and alluring smile.
Meanwhile, at Port Area 1.
Tiger looked at the unconscious thugs lying all over the ground, his experienced eyes now filled with unconcealed admiration. No matter how many times he saw Takuro's strength, he was still shocked—it was a nearly impossible level of power.
To be an enemy of such a man, one couldn't even think about resisting. Thankfully, such a god-like and demon-like man held no bad feelings toward Fish-Man Island. Otherwise... the results would be too terrible to imagine. Just thinking about Takuro rampaging through Fish-Man Island sent shivers down Tiger's spine.
"Let's go, Tiger," Takuro said, looking at the Fishman who was still staring blankly. "Why are you spacing out?"
"Ah! I'm coming!" Tiger snapped out of his daze and quickly responded.
They stepped over the unconscious people on the ground, and Takuro asked Robin to lead the way.
"First, let's go to that Area 50 you mentioned and find a good coating craftsman. I don't want our ship to sink to the bottom of the sea later, and then I'd have to save each of you one by one—that's too much work".
"Don't worry, Master," Robin replied with a smile. Then, as if she suddenly remembered something important, she asked, "Oh, by the way, Master. Did we... prepare the money for the coating?"
Takuro paused. "What money?"
"The cost of the coating, of course," Robin explained. "For a large ship like the conqueror, a complete deep-sea coating isn't cheap, you know?"
"Money... wasn't that always something you took care of?" Takuro countered.
"Yes, Master," Robin confirmed, "but that was back on Anbry Island. For this long trip, Mr. Tesoro only prepared emergency funds for daily expenses and did not put aside a large amount for major purchases".
Takuro scratched his head. "Ah, is that so...?"
Robin stared at him, a hint of frustration in her eyes. "Master, could it be that you...?"
For a moment, the two simply looked at each other.
On Anbry Island, as an "Emperor" , Takuro hardly ever needed money, so his concept of "money" had become completely blurred over time. It seemed that Tesoro and Robin were the same way. Before setting off, they had been so focused on preparing supplies and dealing with any possible emergencies that they completely forgot that "coating costs money"! Perhaps this was just the normal way of thinking for people who were extremely rich.
Tiger, who was still confused about what was going on, also scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
And so... the three fell into a strange silence.
Takuro sighed, starting to get a headache. Even though he was capable of overwhelming acts of power, he wouldn't just rob ordinary people without a good reason; he simply wouldn't do something like that.
A moment later, Robin suddenly offered a soft suggestion. "How about... Master... you fly back home for a quick trip now?"
"No," Takuro refused without a second thought. "Too much trouble".
Then, his gaze fell upon the "trophies" still unconscious on the ground—pirates, bandits, bounty hunters... his eyes suddenly lit up with an idea.
He abruptly turned to Robin and asked: "Hey, Robin. Tell me... where is the Marine base on this island?"
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